Teen Hall of Fame (4/2/09)

Melissa is a busy and career-oriented teen. She has been involved in many clubs during high school, including the Future Business Leaders of America and Mock Trial, as well as a class that simulated a real business.

She has been involved in many clubs during high school, including the Future Business Leaders of America and Mock Trial, as well as a class that simulated a real business.

Melissa has been in FBLA since the middle of junior year, when it was established at Davis High. She got interested in the club when she was thinking about her future career choices.

Today, she is club president, taking over many responsibilities, including keeping track of activities, running conferences and leading meetings.

"It's taught me to work with people a lot more," she said. "Through the conferences, I've picked up a lot of business skills and I've learned a lot of information on how a business runs. There's a lot of hard work and cooperation with people involved."

Melissa also tutors peers, as well as younger students in junior high and elementary school. She helps them with homework in English, history, math and science. Often, teachers recommend Melissa to help students.

Melissa mentioned that tutoring does not only help the students, but helps her to review old material.

Melissa was part of the Davis High Mock Trial team and served as a pre-trial attorney.

"It seemed really interesting when I read through a friend's caseload, so I auditioned and ended up getting pre-trial attorney," she said.

With Mock Trial, Melissa said she has to apply laws to the cases. In addition, the program allowed her to develop her public speaking ability.

During the first semester of her senior year, Melissa was a part of Virtual Enterprise, which is a course that charges students with running a simulated business.

Even with a busy schedule, Melissa was able to maintain a 3.0 grade-point average and hopes to attend California State University, Chico, to major in environmental science.

FAMILY: Parents, Norman and Lina; Brother, Brandon , 10

HOBBIES: I like listening to music and going to small music shows, and I was in dance for a long time.

BIGGEST INFLUENCE: Anna Pavlova, a famous ballet dancer

LAST BOOK I READ FOR PLEASURE: I just read "Silent Spring," by Rachel Carson.

FAVORITE TV SHOW: "House"

FAVORITE MOVIE: "Breakfast at Tiffany's"

FAVORITE MUSIC: Anya Marina

BIGGEST FEAR: Snakes

WHAT I'D TELL THE PRESIDENT: Good luck with the economy, and so far, you're doing a good job.

ADVICE FOR KIDS: Don't be afraid to stay young.

ADVICE FOR ADULTS: The same; don't be afraid to stay young.

WHERE I'LL BE IN 10 YEARS: In some type of business, settled, and with a family.